BEST ALL-AGES VENUE Minneapolis 2003 - Eclipse Records

This year saw a resurgence of all-age clubs in the Twin Cities: The Whole at the U of M's Coffman Union reopened; the Babylon in Minneapolis has evolved from the Bombshelter's pepper-sprayed ashes; the Dinkytowner continues to host its "In the Garage" Sundays; First Avenue and the 7th St. Entry also have their frequent all-ages events; the Speedboat Gallery, a '90s favorite, is back in business in the Midway area; and the Fireball Espresso CafÈ also hosts several all-ages shows a week in St. Paul. What moves Eclipse Records, located on Grand Avenue near Macalester College, to the top of that increasingly crowded list is its intimate space and its pure tenacity. Because of a St. Paul ordinance prompted by the record store's neighbors, Eclipse was put out of the live-music business a couple of years ago. But Eclipse fought the law and actually won; they took their case to the City Council, which ultimately voted to change the code. To keep the peace in the neighborhood, live shows end at 8:00 p.m. weekdays, and 10:00 p.m. weekends. Rock on.